Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite one pan dish: *one pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice*. Seriously, this meal is a game-changer! It’s packed with flavor, and the best part? You can whip it up in no time without making a mess in your kitchen. Picture juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s comforting, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying! Plus, everything cooks together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your friends at dinner. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious meal!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed to remove excess starch
- 1/2 cup packed honey, pure and natural for the best sweetness
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade for that bold flavor
- 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium is great for controlling saltiness
- 1 onion, chopped finely for a nice sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, just enough to sauté the veggies
- Salt and pepper to taste, essential for bringing all the flavors together
How to Prepare *One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice*
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this fabulous dish! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re a bit of a novice in the kitchen. I promise you’ll impress yourself with how easy it is to create such a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Now, take your chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper. This adds a lovely base flavor. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan, skin side down, and brown for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and give the other side the same treatment—golden brown is what you’re aiming for!
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and BBQ sauce until well combined. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken thighs, coating them beautifully.
- Next, add your rinsed rice and the chicken broth into the pan. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Bring everything to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that incredible flavor.
- When it’s done, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve it hot right from the pan. Trust me, it’s going to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan wonder—easy cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Quick prep and cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Bold flavors from the honey BBQ sauce make every bite a flavor explosion.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Comforting and satisfying—this meal is sure to please the whole family!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey and BBQ sauce mixture for at least an hour before cooking. This step makes a noticeable difference!
- Rinse your rice thoroughly before adding it to the pan. This helps remove excess starch and ensures your rice is fluffy and not sticky.
- Keep an eye on the heat while cooking. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the rice from burning at the bottom.
- If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some veggies like bell peppers or snap peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and a fresh bite!
- Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a vibrant, nutrient-packed twist!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ mixture. It’ll give your dish a fiery flair that’ll tantalize your taste buds!
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end for an aromatic lift. You could also use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy depth.
- Coconut Rice: Swap out the chicken broth for coconut milk to cook your rice. This adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the honey BBQ flavor.
- Pineapple Paradise: For a tropical twist, add diced pineapple to the pan along with the chicken. The sweetness complements the BBQ sauce perfectly, creating a deliciously unique dish.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this heavenly *one pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice*, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a complete meal experience! I love to keep things simple yet delicious, so here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the chicken and rice.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness complements the BBQ flavors beautifully. Plus, the crunch is just delightful!
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus on the grill for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the dish.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve some buttery garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover honey BBQ sauce!
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is a classic side that adds a fun element to your meal. Just slather it in butter and sprinkle some salt!
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your mood or what you have on hand. The key is to balance the bold flavors of the chicken with something light and refreshing. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the nutritional goodness of this *one pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any variations you make to the recipe. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and offers a satisfying balance of carbohydrates from the rice. It’s a hearty meal that gives you energy without weighing you down. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use water instead, but I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to amp up the flavor. If you have any bouillon cubes, those work wonders too!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and a nice crunch!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare everything up until the cooking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just bring it to a boil and then simmer as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking chicken, visit this resource for safe cooking temperatures.
Print
One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pan dish featuring honey BBQ chicken and rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in the pan and brown on both sides.
- In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce.
- Pour the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken.
- Add rice and chicken broth to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts.
- Adjust honey and BBQ sauce according to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pan, honey BBQ, chicken, rice